Prescott defends 'GOTI' ambition despite Cowboys' 12th-ranked yardage

Key points

• Prescott stated he has no regrets about the team's public 'GOTI' goal, arguing that current statistics are merely early-season data points.
• The Cowboys rank third in points per game (30.5) but 12th in yards per game (347.5) after four weeks.
• Dallas defeated the Houston Texans, who are 0-4 after scoring 30+ points in two of their first four games but losing all of them.
• The Texans failed to protect a 10-point lead in the final two minutes, allowing Dallas to score on four of five second-half possessions.
• C.J. Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns for Houston, while Nico Collins had 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Background

The Cowboys entered the 2026 season with high expectations after all 11 starters returned from the previous year, when they finished second in yards and seventh in points. Prescott had previously broken the team's all-time passing touchdown record in Week 2. The team's backup quarterback situation was settled in September when Sam Howell was positioned behind Prescott after Joe Milton III was waived.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports highlights Prescott's confidence in the 'GOTI' goal, noting his belief that the team has not yet reached its full potential. In contrast, the Houston Texans' official blog, 'VanderBlog,' emphasizes the team's inability to close games, noting they have failed to protect leads in three of their first four games. The Texans' blog also points out the historical rarity of a 0-4 start leading to a playoff appearance, citing the 1991 San Diego Chargers as the only example in NFL history.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' offensive performance is central to their playoff hopes, as they aim to improve on last season's results. The Texans' 0-4 start raises questions about their ability to compete in the AFC South, especially given their history of slow starts. Prescott's public commitment to the 'GOTI' goal sets a high bar for the team's remaining season.

What to watch

The Texans will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 5 on October 11. The Cowboys will continue to build momentum as they aim to improve their yardage rankings and secure more wins.